About the report

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an emerging global disease for which there is no cure. New Zealand has one of the world’s highest rates, but to date there have been no detailed New Zealand-wide studies of IBD prevalence and incidence.

The 2017 Burden of Disease Study for New Zealanders with IBD, commissioned by Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand (CCNZ), is a first step towards an informed national discussion about the growing problem of IBD in New Zealand. In the absence of national data, the report has drawn on estimates and studies carried out over 16 years within specific DHB regions, as well as patient surveys, case studies and international data. 

The report looks at the personal, social and economic consequences for the thousands of New Zealanders who have this devastating illness. It also looks at the cost of IBD to the country, estimated to be in the region of $245 million annually.

About Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand

Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand (CCNZ) exists to bring visibility to this difficult, invisible condition. We provide support, advice, resources and information about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to patients and their families. Our organisation includes individuals affected by Crohn’s and colitis, and medical specialists who are active in the treatment of these chronic diseases.

CCNZ welcomes the report launched at this breakfast event and the findings of the study, and call for urgent action on IBD diagnosis, support and disease education in New Zealand.

CCNZ strongly supports the recommendation to establish a National Care Working Group, with appropriate expertise and representation. We also endorse the implementation of an action plan – both immediate and longer term – which includes addressing the very patchy availability of data and overall lack of quantitative research into IBD in New Zealand, before it becomes a national health crisis.